Outdoors | The Daily Chronicle

Visitors explore the Ape Cave on the south side of Mount St. Helens.

Mount St. Helens Institute's Volcano Naturalist Program celebrates 13 years

After 13 years and more than 430 graduates, the Mount St. Helens Institute's Volcano Naturalist Program (VNP) has opened registration for its 2026 season, according to a news release. The … more

By The Chronicle staff | 12/22/25

WDFW approves six days of coastal razor clam digs beginning Dec. 18; more digs planned for early 2026

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) shellfish managers have confirmed razor clam digging opportunities at Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis and Mocrocks beaches from Dec. 18-23. … more

12/15/25

The Christmas Bird Count arrives in Lewis County on Dec. 20

Every year, through December and January, people come together for many reasons: to celebrate Christmas, watch fun parades, attend exciting recitals and plays, chat about the future at New … more

By Rachel Holland / For The Chronicle | 12/10/25

MyWDFW mobile app now available as agency goes digital

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) announced in a news release that its new MyWDFW mobile application is now available for free download in the Google Play and Apple app stores. … more

By The Chronicle staff | 12/5/25

Trumpeter swans fly over a pond near the Willapa Hills Trailhead in Chehalis on Wednesday, Dec. 3.

In Focus: Trumpeter swans fly into Chehalis

Trumpeter swans are pictured at a pond near the Willapa Hills Trailhead in Chehalis on Wednesday, Dec. 3. Seeking dairy farm fields and wetlands, the swans, like clockwork, show up in late … more

Photos by Ridley Hudson / ridley@chronline.com | 12/5/25

The sun begins to dip behind the hills surrounding the White Pass Ski Area along U.S. Highway 12 on Sunday, Nov. 30.

Snow hits White Pass Ski Area as resort prepares for opening day

Snowcat drivers, snow gun operators and the ski patrol are finishing preparations to open the White Pass Ski Area with an early morning storm having put down over half a foot of fresh powder on … more

By The Chronicle staff | 12/1/25

"On the last day of hunting season and the last 30 minutes of shooting light, Timber, age 10, had the opportunity to harvest this beautiful buck with his parents. We are so beyond proud of him!" — submitted by Janell McCullough.

Hunting Highlights: Bucks galore

Whether it’s hunting, fishing, hiking, clamming, foraging or something else, The Chronicle is happy to share photos and details from local folks in the great outdoors. To be considered, just … more

11/21/25

WDFW to debut new mobile app for digital hunting and fishing licenses, harvest reporting

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife this week announced that its new digital licensing app, MyWDFW, will be launching soon in alignment with the 2026 license year. “We’re … more

By The Chronicle staff | 11/21/25

Vince Butitta and Skylar Wolf prepare their mobile eDNA sampling station at the first site of the day along the banks of the Dungeness River.

Washington’s rivers, revealed: Cutting-edge project to map the aquatic biodiversity of every river in the state

In a groundbreaking effort to better understand and protect Washington’s native freshwater fish, shellfish and amphibians, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) scientists are using … more

By the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife | 11/21/25

The Chehalis River flows through Rainbow Falls at Rainbow Falls State Park on Wednesday, July 2.

No Discover Pass will be required on these days in 2026

Washington’s state land management agencies have designated 12 Discover Pass free days for 2026, meaning visitors to Washington state parks and other public land will not require payment. … more

11/14/25

Hunting Highlights: Local teens harvest deer, elk

Whether it's hunting, fishing, hiking, clamming, foraging or something else, The Chronicle is happy to share photos and details from local folks in the great outdoors. To be considered, just email … more

11/14/25

Jess Clevenger holds a razor clam at Grayland Beach on Friday, March 8, 2024.

WDFW approves six days of coastal razor clam digs before Thanksgiving

Razor clam digging opportunities are set for Nov. 18-23 at Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis and Mocrocks beaches, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) shellfish managers confirmed on … more

By The Chronicle staff | 11/14/25

A one-pound rainbow trout flops around in the shallow waters near the bank at Fort Borst Park in this Chronicle file photo.

WDFW: Get outside on Black Friday with statewide trout fishing opportunities

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is stocking nearly 65,000 jumbo rainbow trout in 25 lakes statewide ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, offering anglers a chance to get … more

By The Chronicle staff | 11/14/25

A Columbian white-tailed buck leaps through the brush in hot pursuit of a doe at the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge River S Unit on Wednesday, Nov. 12.

Rut is on: Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge a great place to observe deer rutting season

The chase is on throughout the region as bucks compete for the right to breed with the rutting season in full swing. All around the rural reaches of the area, Columbian black-tailed deer can be … more

By Cade Barker / For The Chronicle | 11/14/25

"Today was an unforgettable day for my 10-year-old boy, Nash! He was out hunting with his dad, Justin, for elk when something unexpected happened. As they hiked through some brushy grasses, they heard a loud crash from behind them. Little did they know, a cougar had jumped down from a tree nearby! With no firearms for Justin (because it's Nash's elk hunting season), he told Nash to be ready with his rifle. In an incredible moment of bravery and skill, Nash aimed his 300 and spotted the cougar just 25 feet away, clear as day through his scope. Nash's quick thinking and sharp aim truly may have saved both his and his dad's lives, as the cougar was ready to pounce. What a remarkable experience for our young hunter! Proud of you, Nash!" — submitted by Adrienne Jones, Bay City, Washington

Hunting Highlights: Cougar, deer and elk, oh my!

Whether it's hunting, fishing, hiking, clamming, foraging or something else, The Chronicle is happy to share photos and details from local folks in the great outdoors. To be considered, just email … more

11/7/25

A line of clams are placed on a tailgate after being cleaned during a razor clam dig at Grayland Beach on March 8, 2024.

WDFW approves seven days of coastal razor clam digs beginning Nov. 3

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) shellfish managers on Wednesday confirmed razor clam digging opportunities at Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis and Mocrocks beaches from Nov. 3 to … more

10/31/25

"Lane made an incredible shot this morning, dropping this deer from about 200 yards out. It’s a beautiful buck with a unique, non-typical antler — definitely one to remember! His patience and precision really paid off." — submitted by Michelle Eastman

Reader’s Lens: More Hunting Highlights

Whether it’s hunting, fishing, hiking, clamming, foraging or something else, The Chronicle is happy to share photos and details from local folks in the great outdoors. To be considered, … more

10/31/25

Donovan Delaney, 9, recently harvested his very first buck. "He was so excited," wrote Heather Delaney, who submitted this photo.

Reader’s Lens: Hunting Highlights

The Chronicle features photos and details of local outdoor adventures, including fishing, hunting, hiking, clamming, foraging and more. Photos are published on The Chronicle’s Facebook … more

10/24/25

A large bull elk munches on vegetation in Packwood on Thursday evening in the rain.

WDFW seeks public input on revised State Wildlife Action Plan draft

The Washington state Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is looking for public feedback on a draft of its revised State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP), designed to guide fish, wildlife and habitat … more

By The Chronicle staff | 10/20/25

Hikers begin hiking the Skyline Loop Trail at Mount Rainier National Park on Thursday, Oct. 16.

A trip to Mount Rainier National Park as it remains open during shutdown

While visitors are still plentiful at Mount Rainier National Park during the current federal shutdown, spotting a park ranger or National Parks Service vehicle feels similar to the excitement of … more

By Jacob Moore / jacob@chronline.com | 10/17/25